12/18/13

Seven of Swords reversed/Nine of Swords. The Seven of Swords (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, cause-oriented, the group, aloofness) tells of the effort to maintain things as we want them, often through the use of deception and without considering the wants or needs of others.  This one has been appearing for me lately, and I don’t know why; it was upright in yesterday’s throw but reversed today. The Nine of Swords (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, social, dual) represents brooding and worrying, usually self-caused, and usually unproductive.  Often the worrying attached to this card is connected to insecurity, or to delays in obtaining something. This kind of worry is a total waste of time and energy though, and it rarely achieves anything productive.  Perhaps I am worrying too much about that Seven of Swords, eh?

My Thoth cards are The Universe and the Six of Disks (“Success”) reversed. The Universe/World, which corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and material, stable and practical energy that is slow to change), Saturn (discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance), Thav (mark or sign), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest into the physical world) is a card of integration and involvement and understanding, a crystallization of the entire issue at hand. The Six of Disks (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Taurus, “I have,” Sensual, cautious, stubborn) brings an awareness of resources to the situation, both those that I have and those that I don’t have, in both the upright and reversed position. Crowley sees the Six of Disks as a card of balance, and while that balance is fertile, it is also temporary.  Because my Six of Disks is reversed, today I may not be good at handling resources, particularly those connected with the physical world.  Since The Universe is also here, the mismanagement of those resources won’t have an effect on the outcome of the day.

My Legacy card is The Tower reversed, flavored by the Seven of Wands.  Hmmm . . . interesting. The Tower (Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change), Mars (action, spontaneity, aggression, drive), Phe (mouth or speech), and the Path between Hod (which provides analysis and communication) and Netzach (which offers the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration)) is one of the Major Arcana cards that talks of adjustments.  This one tells of a violent or explosive correction in the way things are going that usually happens after more gentle corrections don’t bring the needed result. My Tower is reversed, and I sure hope that means the adjustments are coming to an end.  Sheesh already!  The Seven of Wands (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, natural leader, egotistical, selfish) reminds me that my own judgment is worth relying on, so I should have confidence in that judgment and take a stand and see things through to the end.  I like the way the energy of this card flavors my reversed Tower; confidence is a good thing!

My 6-digit date number is 7, the number that describes the pause that comes as growth slows and degeneration approaches, usually involving a choice of some kind. 

My horoscopes: “Get some of your thoughts on paper today. Communicate your feelings in a journal or write letters or emails to people you haven't seen in a while. Keep the tone light. You have a lot of information to share whether you realize it or not. This is a good day to dress up, go out, and have fun. Share a meal with friends and save your worries for another day.”

And: “For some reason, you may not feel like you are exactly flowing well with the energy of the day. You might take this as an indicator that you should perhaps spend some time alone. Use this as a time to recharge your battery and reflect on the past few days. You will find that inner reflection is quite a powerful tool for you at this time. Good things are coming your way.”

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12/17/13

Five of Pentacles/The Magician reversed. The Five of Pentacles (Mercury, reason, intelligence, education, skill, communication, in Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn) tells of some loss or need within the physical world.  The thing about this card is that it is not all bad, just uncomfortable.  If I analyze things too much I won’t believe in myself any more. The Magician corresponds with Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and quick and animated energy which usually presents problems or challenges), Mercury (reason, intelligence, orderliness, communication), Beth (house; builder) and the Path between Binah (female, receptive energy and the origin of form and structure) and Kether (the source, limitless possibility).  The Magician works hard to perfect his abilities, to make use of those abilities in unexpected ways, and to focus and carry through to the end of a task (which is pretty important to him).  This card is personally significant to me, and since he represents the manifestation of tangible knowledge, and since he is reversed, I could be dealing with some kind of deception today, or perhaps a miscommunication of some kind.

My Thoth cards are the Seven of Swords (“Futility”) and the Queen of Swords reversed.  Well. The Seven of Swords (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Aquarius, “I know,” friendships, cause-oriented, the group, aloofness) tells of the effort to maintain things as we want them, often through the use of deception and without considering the wants or needs of others.  The Thoth card also hints at not being willing to do the work necessary to obtain the desired end results. The Queen of Swords (cusp of Virgo, “I serve,” practical, sensible, work and service oriented, and Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, grace) can be considered a Minor Arcana representation of the Justice card, which is about responsibility and the relationship between “cause” and “effect.”  In an upright position, this Queen is a pioneering trailblazer with nerves of steel and a good sense of humor.  It looks like things might be a bit foggy today.  I need to be careful.

My Legacy card is the Page of Coins reversed, flavored by the Nine of Wands reversed. The Page of Coins (Aries, “I want,” assertive, action oriented, Taurus, “I have,” sensual, cautious, stubborn, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable, dual) is down-to-earth and responsible, and a listener and a learner. This Page loves to learn new things and have new experiences, but he also can see the big picture in an optimistic way.  My Page is reversed, and today I may have trouble being excited about fulfilling my tasks and responsibilities.  My reversed Page of Coins is being flavored by the Nine of Wands, also reversed. The Nine of Wands (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, adventurous, blundering) in an upright position tells us that the final challenge approaches, and we need to ready ourselves.  My card is reversed, and unfortunately it tells of obstacles.  Everything is uncomfortable today.  Oy.

My 6-digit date number is 6, the number of vertical and horizontal balance.  Just what I need.

My horoscopes: “Your strong business sense and practical skills couple with imagination and innovation to bring advancement. Information from far away could prove especially valuable. Relationships with friends should be warm and cooperative. Love relationships could also prove rewarding. Consider blowing off a little steam by going out and having a good time.”

And: “Decision-making today might be quite a daunting task. You may find that there is a great deal of nervous energy within you which is making you feel like you must run up to the podium and announce the final verdict. In reality, however, you are more likely to want to keep all your options open. Don't get caught in sticky situations in which you have to commit to something at this time. Give yourself an escape hatch.”

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12/15/13

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

18, Guide: Horse (South). South is the direction of the midday sun and the peak of power and illumination; this direction is associated with passionate drive and creativity. Horse is basically about going somewhere; after all, humans use Horse as a means for transportation.  Because the ability to get to where you need to be and thus, transform yourself is perceived as having authority, this card also represents sovereignty, the kind of sovereignty the stallion has over his herd.  This leadership is maintained by courage, strength, and skills learned through a lifetime.

6, Guide: Butterfly (East).  East is the direction of Air, and thus of fresh ideas and new beginnings, knowledge, information and thoughts.  Butterflies are about metamorphosis, and about seeing in all directions at the same time.  Butterflies are strong!  Monarchs, with wings basically the consistency of tissue paper, fly hundreds of miles to the South in the Fall, winter over, and then return Northward.  Butterflies are an interesting combination of potential and sacrifice.

23, Element: Water (West).  West is the direction of Water, and thus, of feelings and emotions, relationships of all kinds, cleansing and healing, the wisdom associated with natural endings, and the bubbling up of pure joy.  Water is about emotions, feelings, the Inner Voice, dreams, intuition, and Water is connected to both birth and death.  Because our physical bodies contain so much Water, whatever affects Water usually affects us as well.  The image on this card also shows ripples moving outward; something to remember when we are expressing our feelings.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  Even thought the Horses are in motion, it is the outward emanation of Water and the Butterflies that appear to be moving.  Perhaps I am actually in a cocoon this winter?  After all, I am smack dab in the middle of my second Saturn Return, so lots of things are percolating inside of me.  These cards tell of power and authority, but those things are alongside the workings of the intellect as well as the subconscious.  I certainly am going somewhere; I just don’t know yet where that “somewhere” is.

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12/14/13

The World reversed/Ace of Wands. The World/Universe, which corresponds with Earth (cold/binds and dry/shapes, and material, stable and practical energy that is slow to change), Saturn (discipline, responsibility, limitations and resistance), Thav (mark or sign), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Yesod (the place where patterns and images emerge that may manifest into the physical world) is a card of integration and involvement and understanding, a crystallization of the entire issue at hand.  My card is reversed, and enlightenment is out of reach, at least for today, but it could be approaching! The Ace of Wands (Leo, “I am,” passionate, dramatic, egotistical, Virgo, “I serve,” practical, analytical, sensible, orderly) tells of the initial emanation of enthusiasm or inspiration that could very well energize an entire process or project.  This is inspiration that could lead to manifestation! This pure Fiery energy can be unpredictable, but sometimes that unpredictability pays off.

My Thoth cards are the Ten of Swords (“Ruin”) reversed and the Three of Wands (“Virtue”) reversed. The Ten of Swords (the Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, in Gemini, “I think,” curious, sociable, dual, talkative) in an upright position tells of the perception that interference, powerlessness and restriction will rule the day. Because my card is reversed, ideas that used to work for me may no longer be valid, but this will turn out to be a good thing. The Three of Wands (Sun, the inner core of a person or situation, the deepest self and personal power, in Aries, “I want,” action oriented, pioneering, assertive) in an upright position is a card of planning ahead that tells of the excitement that comes with good possibilities at hand.  There could be a pause in any give-and-take situations, but this is only a pause, not a complete cessation.

My Legacy card is the Four of Cups, flavored by the Five of Wands. The Four of Cups (the Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, nurturing, tenacious, moody) in an upright position tells us that too much pleasure, or maybe too much nurturing or overprotectiveness, deadens the senses. This is a card that describes what can happen when nothing goes wrong in our lives: we become numb to pleasure and serenity and can’t find satisfaction in our lives. However today I should have no problem balancing out pleasure and challenge, and I just might get good results from both.  My reversed Four of Cups is being flavored by the Five of Wands. The Five of Wands, which corresponds with Saturn (discipline, responsibility, law and order) in Leo (“I am, passionate, dramatic, egotistical) indicates a struggle caused by annoying cross-purposes. Combined with the Four of Cups, I get a real nice alertness along with some pleasant feelings.  Sounds like a good state of mind, eh?

My 6-digit date number is 3, the number that tells of a new creation out of the potential and position of the Ace, and the balance, polarity and energy of “distance between” of the two.

My horoscopes: “Here is the day when you may finally accept that you tend to play the role of parent in your sentimental relationships. You're the one who sets limits, organizes things, and takes on responsibility. Your partner should try to open you up to your more sensitive, fragile side.”

And: “Recent developments have brought new interests into your life, and as a result you might be seriously considering enrolling in a formal course of study involving these subjects. If you really want to do this, this is definitely the right time to start. Others in your community might want to do the same, so a get-together to discuss this subject and others might help all of you to clear your heads. Books and magazines could also be of help.”

And so, the busy-ness continues!  Thursday evening I went out with the YTT’s; yesterday I spent the day in Manhattan with the OPC Club.  We ate lunch at a restaurant on Rockefeller Plaza, then walked to St. Pat’s, where I lit a candle in the Lady Chapel.  Then on to Bryant Park, where we browsed the craft shops and then drank a glass of wine while watching the skaters.  Finally, we headed back home, and after stopping for a light supper, we parted until New Year’s Eve, when we will gather again.

Today, we cook a formal sit-down dinner for 18, our traditional “cook a cow night.”  Holiday fun!

I read a quote by Paul Highes-Barlow (my “go-to” person for the Thoth Tarot) that really resonated for me today.  This is from his website, paulhugesbarlow.com.

“Just for thirty seconds or a minute try this: try to think less, or find inner peace. What happens? I bet you will find that far from finding peace, the noise will actually increase! What is going on? By minimising your own thoughts, that space will be filled up by thoughts of others around you – people you know and strangers, it doesn’t matter.” 

I love this!  It is sooooo true, and applicable to more than just interpreting Tarot cards.  Do it right now; go to the window, take several deep, slow breaths, and then just allow your mind to relax and stay still for a moment.  See??  It really is noisy there!!

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12/12/13

Queen of Swords/The Hanging Man reversed. The Queen of Swords (cusp of Virgo, “I serve,” practical, sensible, work and service oriented, and Libra, “We are,” partnerships, balance, cooperation, grace) can be considered a Minor Arcana representation of the Justice card, which is about responsibility and the relationship between “cause” and “effect.”  This Queen is a pioneering trailblazer with nerves of steel and a good sense of humor.  I guess today is a no-nonsense kind of day, but I am also being told that a sense of humor could come in handy.  The Hanging Man corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and emotional, sensitive and imaginative energy that tends to move deep, and attempts to take the same path as in the past), Neptune (inspiration, spirituality, magick, enchantment, dreams, altered states), and the Hebrew letter Mem (water, stability and balance, the reflective quality of thought), and upright it presents the kind of balance that comes to us through surrender, and through deliberately attempting to see things in a different way.  My card is reversed, and it tells me that I just might miss some important lesson, perhaps because of ego or unrealistic expectations. 

My Thoth cards are The Moon and the Queen of Disks reversed. The Moon of the Tarot Major Arcana corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, emotional and sensitive energy that strives to stay the same), Pisces (“I believe,” feeling, suffering, soul growth, duality), Qof (the back of the head), and the Path between Malkuth (the physical world of action and physical, outer reality) and Netzach (the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration), is about feelings and emotions and instincts and the subconscious.  This card may be about falsehood and the Dark Night of Soul, but it is also about magick and mystery. The Queen of Disks (cusp of Sagittarius, “I seek,” philosophic, fun-loving, blundering, and Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, caution, cunning, authoritative) is very good at sustaining the physical world, keeping things dry and cozy and safe and orderly.  Crowley sees this Queen in an upright position as striving to manifest pleasurable surroundings, without going overboard.  Because my card is reversed, this may not be the end result today.

My Legacy card is the Four of Coins reversed, flavored by The Tower.  **gulp** The Four of Coins (the Sun, the inner core of a person or situation or the deepest self, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, authority, caution cunning) in an upright position tells of very solid foundations and an awareness of the value of our possessions. My Four of Coins is reversed today, and this lends a bit of suspicion to my awareness.  Do I need to protect things?  Am I holding onto what is truly valuable? My Four of Coins is being flavored by an uncomfortable card, The Tower. The Tower (Fire (hot/separates and dry/shapes, and spontaneous, impulsive, energetic change), Mars (action, spontaneity, aggression, drive), Phe (mouth or speech), and the Path between Hod (which provides analysis and communication) and Netzach (which offers the stimulating factors of emotion and inspiration)) is one of the Major Arcana cards that talks of adjustments.  This one tells of a violent or explosive correction in the way things are going that usually happens after more gentle corrections don’t bring the needed result.  Whatever shakeups are coming today could leave me feeling devastated, and they most likely will have something to do with a physical world foundation that I thought was solid and stable.

My 6-digit date number is 10, representing the end of a cycle, which can be reduced further to 1, the number of position and possibility.

My horoscopes: “Today you're likely to get a nice surprise in a relationship, especially in your private life. Your companions may show their appreciation through some surprising act. In any case, you have a very good chance of finding yourself at the center of things, bowing under the spotlight, and dressed to the nines. Accept the applause that comes your way.”

And: “If you're angry about something, find the best way to communicate it, without hurting someone. While anger is a healthy emotion that signals you when something isn't right for you, how you express it makes all the difference in the outcome of any situation. There is considerable skill in effective communicating. It's not just words but also tone of voice, facial expression and body language. If you're unfamiliar with an "I statement", you may want to read some books on the subject to help you express yourself in a better way.”

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12/11/13

Three of Pentacles/The Magician reversed. The Three of Pentacles (Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, drive, in Capricorn, “I build,” ambition, cunning, competence) tells of competence, planning and teamwork.  I should make use of my talents today, and strive to find satisfaction from getting things done, even if I need to work with others in order to accomplish my goals. The Magician corresponds with Air (hot/separates and wet/adapts, and quick and animated energy which usually presents problems or challenges), Mercury (reason, intelligence, orderliness, communication), Beth (house; builder) and the Path between Binah (female, receptive energy and the origin of form and structure) and Kether (the source, limitless possibility).  The Magician works hard to perfect his abilities, to make use of those abilities in unexpected ways, and to focus and carry through to the end of a task (which is pretty important to him).  This card is personally significant to me, and since he represents the manifestation of tangible knowledge, and since he is reversed, I could be dealing with some kind of deception today.  I should also be careful that I don’t become too full of myself if that Three of Pentacles kicks in and things start happening.  It’s not all about me, after all.

My Thoth cards are the Four of Cups (“Luxury”) flavored by The Hanging Man.  Hmmm . . . interesting. The Four of Cups (the Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Cancer, “I feel,” sensitive, nurturing, tenacious, moody) tells us that too much pleasure, or maybe too much nurturing or overprotectiveness, deadens the senses. This is a card that describes what can happen when nothing goes wrong in our lives: we become numb to pleasure and serenity and can’t find satisfaction in our lives.  We actually need some kind of challenge in order to stay healthy, but this card does not bring a challenge.  The Hanging Man corresponds with Water (cold/binds and wet/adapts, and emotional, sensitive and imaginative energy that tends to move deep, and attempts to take the same path as in the past), Neptune (inspiration, spirituality, magick, enchantment, dreams, altered states), and the Hebrew letter Mem (water, stability and balance, the reflective quality of thought), and presents the kind of balance that comes to us through surrender, and through deliberately attempting to see things in a different way.  In a way, this card is similar to my Four of Cups, for it tells of inactivity.  Perhaps there is a challenge after all, and perhaps I can make use of the Water and the illusion of these two cards in a divinatory fashion.

My Legacy card is the Five of Wands, flavored by the Knight of Swords reversed. The Five of Wands, which corresponds with Saturn (discipline, responsibility, law and order) in Leo (“I am, passionate, dramatic, egotistical) indicates a struggle caused by annoying cross-purposes. Growing pains have good results in the end, the process of getting there might be uncomfortable.  This card can also represent competition, either healthy or unhealthy.  My Five of Wands is being flavored by the reversed Knight of Swords.  The Knight of Swords (the cusp of Taurus, “I have,” sensual, stubborn, cautious, and Gemini, “I think,” curious, talkative, dual, intelligent) in an upright position is outspoken, assured, alert, and logical, as well as rude, domineering, critical and sarcastic.  His daring and courage are impressive, but he can also be disruptive, too.  Because he is reversed and flavoring my Five of Wands, I had better not expect that things will go as I planned them today.  Strategy might be a waste of time, eh?  But that is okay; perhaps all the chaos will end up providing a new way of seeing things.

My 6-digit date number is 9, representing the completeness of manifestation or effect. 

My horoscopes: “Experiments with computers or other technology could reveal a hidden talent you didn't know you had. You could decide to work at developing this skill as it could open doors that increase your income. Friends could help you either with this or other matters. By day's end you'll feel more focused than you were earlier.”

And: “Expect some great news today via phone, e-mail, fax, or the Internet. This could involve a lucky break of some kind, auguring beneficial changes in both profession and lifestyle. A number of short journeys in your near neighborhood may be necessary, and you could stop by the homes of friends or neighbors to tell them all about what's been happening with you. Enjoy your day. You won't have too many quite like this one!”

The next few days are going to be crazy-busy for me.  I may not be here as often as I would like to be, but I will do my best!

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12/8/13

Transparent Oracle Sunday!

24, Time of Day: Sunset (West).  West is the direction of Water, and thus, of feelings and emotions, relationships of all kinds, cleansing and healing, the wisdom associated with natural endings, and the bubbling up of pure joy.  Sunset is the time when we pause as the daylight hours come to a close.  We should not, however, assume that the day is done, for much can be had from the dark hours.  The light of the setting sun and the long shadows can transform even the most mundane environment into something mystical and magickal, the perfect environment to remember the experiences of the day.

28, Guide: Frog (West). Water is emotional and sensitive energy that strives to stay the same; its dignities are cold/binds and wet/adapts.  Water is necessary for Frog to exist and thrive.  Frog tells of fertility and creativity, and Frog also represents the amazing transformations that occur during a lifetime.  We need to grow and adapt to the situations that present themselves, and Frog is an expert at this!  Frog has a permeable skin, so this card is also associated with healing and empathy and healing, and with partnerships

31, Gateway: Winter (North). North is the direction of Earth, and thus of the physical or physically formed or manifested world, and of nurturing, health, finances and security, and the wisdom associated with living simply, being well-grounded, and being in touch with our physical body.  Because this Gateway is square and solid, and appears unshakable and immovable, it seems like a safe place, or a strong foundation upon which we can exist and prosper.

I then stacked my cards and created my mandala.  I have spoken before about how disruptive a particular card can be if its image is based on four corners rather than three.  Well, I’ve found the exception to the rule, perhaps because the Gateway of Winter is more of a stationary card (it is a Gateway, after all, meant to be a frame for action), and rather than disrupting the energies of the other card, it serves as a container for them.  The Sunset is framed by one of the Stonehenge-like megalith gates, reminding me of the power to be had from the crossroad of dusk, the bridge between light and dark.  Dusk is the time to tuck safely away the memories of the daytime in order to prepare for the rest and inner reflection of the night.  The perfect Guide for this time is Frog, as Frog is also about transformations that bridge the cycles of life.  There is a focus here to the effects of the element of Earth: grounding, stability, safety, prosperity, and health and healing of all kinds.  I think I am being told that it is time to focus on myself, my own health; soon enough I will pass through this Gateway . . . soon enough the night will end and there will be a new dawn.  It is time to prepare, as best I can.

As I sit typing this entry, I am watching the first big white fluffy snowflakes of the season fall.  This does not look to be an accumulating snowfall, but it sure is pretty!

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